Summary: For a small winemaker, Woods Crampton has been able to achieve a lot in a small amount of time. “The straight men of the Barossa new wave” Woods Crampton makes contemporary and balanced wines, a world away from the jammy fruit bombs of the past. The range includes a ladder of old vine Barossa Shiraz, complex and thought provoking blends and alternate varietals that may be the future of the valley.

Winemaking: Woods Crampton’s People’s Champion Shiraz is a targeted selection of fruit sourced from identified blocks of the Eden Valley and from vineyards of the more eastern side of the Barossa Valley. Picked in the cool of the morning to retain freshness, the fruit was de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel tank. The wine was then transferred and spent 12 months in second-use large format French oak to mature and build structure whilst developing complexing flavours all the while keeping it’s bright youthful fruit flavours. Bottled with minimal fining and filtration and into 975ml Squealers with a screwcap seal.

2017 Vintage: Winter and Spring of 2016 was much wetter than usual lifting the soil moisture levels for the region. December, January and February were all cooler than usual which prolonged the ripening period by 2-3 weeks. The slower ripening for the berries ensured a greater accumulation of complex character development that winemakers are often lauding in the better years. The fruit reached optimal flavour and tannin ripeness and will contribute to making very good wines.

Tasting Note: This is a seamless blend of red and dark berry fruit from the higher Eden Valley blended with the cooler aspects of the Barossa Valley. Blackberry, plum and raspberry freshness combine with subtle spice, mineral and cedar wood. This is a full flavoured, luscious, more-ish Shiraz for great everyday and all occasion enjoyment.